Wesfarmers, the parent company of Kmart, has announced that all Kmart stores will close in New Zealand amid stringent restrictions.
This may be happening across the ditch but we reckon this may be around the corner for us…and while I am 100% behind social isolation, the thought of not getting my Kmart fix is almost inconceivable. It certainly falls under the category of essential services in my book.
Kmart Stores Will Close
Wesfarmers have informed investors that all 25 Kmart outlets in New Zealand will shut for four weeks from midnight tonight subsequent to the government’s latest announcement restricting ‘non-essential’ services.
What About Bunnings?
Another Wesfarmer brand, Bunnings, will be keeping its 53 New Zealand stores only to trade. The general public will be unable to access the hardware services during the closure.
Open For How Long?
For the moment all Wesfarmer brands (including Kmart, Target, Officeworks and Bunnings) will be open as normal in Australia. Although we reckon this too is temporary and the government may introduce harsher restrictions any time.
“At this stage, state and federal government measures in Australia do not require the closure of retail stores,” a statement from Wesfarmers reads.
“Bunnings, Kmart, Target and Officeworks stores across Australia are operating under standard or near-standard trading hours and operations continue in the Group’s industrial businesses.
Minimise Risks
“All businesses in the Group are focusing on ensuring the continued availability of products and services in a manner that minimises risks to team members and customers, including through online channels for the Group’s retail businesses.”
The company group has emphasised that “revenue from its New Zealand operations represent approximately eight per cent of the Group’s total annual revenue” so these closure would not have a significant impact on the retail organisation.
However, not all retail outlets are keeping their doors open in Australia. The Mosaic Group and Michael Hill Jewelers have announced that they will shut their doors and stand down staff as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Do you think Kmart stores will close in Australian soon? Tell us in the comments below.
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